Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: NCsoft

NCsoft is set to launch a large content update for the recently released Guild Wars 2 later today. Titled Shadow of the Mad King, the free update will not only include 80 pieces of content, much of which will be available from here on out, but also some Halloween-themed material that will only be available from now until October 31.

Following up the successful launch of Guild Wars 2, NCsoft has announced their plans to bring their martial-arts-themed fantasy MMO Blade & Soul to Western markets. Developed by their in-house studio Team Bloodlust in Seoul, NCsoft states that Blade & Soul will allow players “to experience the flowing nature of action martial arts” reminiscent of the combat in such films as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Players will be able to choose from four races and eight classes, as well as several professions, as they attempt to defeat Jin Seoyeon, destroyer of the Hongmoon Clan, in a world infused with Asian folklore.

Shortly after passing the two-week mark, NCsoft has announced that ArenaNet’s latest MMO Guild Wars 2 has sold over 2 million units. Retail and first-party sales were temporarily halted due to demand surpassing server load, and since being reinstated, not only has the milestone been surpassed, but according to NCsoft, the game now “regularly” hosts over 400,000 players during peak hours.

After years in development and months in beta, Guild Wars 2 is set to launch its Headstart program tomorrow. The ArenaNet-developed and NCsoft-published PC MMO will kick off the program this weekend to allow gamers who pre-ordered a chance to log in and get started on leveling their characters before the flood gates open on August 28.

NCsoft has kicked off its Guild Wars 2 pre-purchase program. Players who pick up the Guild Wars 2 Collector’s, Digital Deluxe, or Standard/Digital Editions before launch will receive entry into beta weekend events and access to the game three days before launch. All pre-purchases will also receive an exclusive in-game, stat-boosting item, the Hero’s Band.